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Police clarify procedures on mental health

THAMES Valley Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Anthony Stansfeld has backed a national agreement setting out how mental health patients should be treated.

The Department of Health published the Mental Health Concordat on Tuesday and it has now been signed by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners on behalf of all the country’s PCCs.

Mr Stansfeld said: “I feel it is important that all agencies work closely together to improve the care of people in mental health crisis, which is why I am delighted to support the Mental Health Concordat.

“It has long been recognised by Thames Valley criminal justice agencies that there is a need for earlier intervention and support for people with mental health needs, and more joined up approaches with health and social care to provide the services and level of support required.

He added: “I am also in the process of reviewing the mental health implications that being a victim of crime can have, and I intend to make sure that funding is directed into supporting the needs of victims.”